Algarrobo best things to see and do
Algarrobo, a typical white village in Axarquia
In this article you will find the essential information about what to see in Algarrobo, in Malaga province :
- A few words about Algarrobo
- The origins
- What to see in Algarrobo?
- What to do in Algarrobo?
- activities
- guided tours
- fiestas and ferias
- Where is Algarrobo?
- Book accommodation
- Some useful links
- Experiences to discover in the province of Málaga
A few words about Algarrobo
Algarrobo is located in Axarquia in the province of Malaga.
The historical part is the white village of Algarrobo, which is of Arabic origin, with the typical layout of its alleys among the white houses of the village.
Like many villages on the Costa del Sol, this village is split into two parts. There is Algarrobo Costa, on the seaside, and Algarrobo Pueblo. This structure, linked to history, can be found in Torrox as well as in Mijas and elsewhere.
The origines
During the period of al-Andalus, after the Muslim conquest of Hispania, the village took the name of Garrobo. It became Algorrobo years after the reconquest by the Catholic kings. The reconquest took place in the same year as Malaga in 1487.
However, the origins of the village seem to go back to the Paleolithic. The major historical legacy is Phoenician with the necropolises of Trayamar (article in Spanish) and the morro de Mezquitilla at the mouth of the river Algarrobo. These two Phoenician sites have been described by Professor Hans Georg Niemeyer as being among the most important Phoenician traces in the West. Many of the remains are now on display in the archaeological museum in Malaga (40km away).
What to see in Algarrobo ?
What to see in Algarrobo Costa
The 2 watchtowers
Algarrobo Costa is very modern and recent compared to the Pueblo. However, there are 2 lookout towers that are worth a visit.
They were used to prevent enemy invasions from the sea. One tower (Torre ladeada) dates from the 16th century and the other (Torre Nueva) from the 18th century.
The Mayora
La Mayora is a world-renowned centre for the study of tropical fruit growing. Sometimes there are open days to discover it. Not to be missed if the opportunity arises!
A chiriguinto in Algarrobo Costa
There is a famous chiriguinto in Algarrobo Costa, which is worth a visit: Rompeolas . It is very good and the plates are generous, you can order media racion, it will be already copious.
What to see in Algarrobo Pueblo
To discover the village, there is nothing better than to walk through its streets and alleys, to feel the atmosphere of a white village.
As with many white villages in Andalucia…. it goes up and down!
Santa Ana Church
Next to the church, you can enjoy the sometimes curious views of the village and the surrounding mountains.
Sometimes you can even find yourself on a street called “street with no exit”!
The area around the cemetery
This location is worth a visit for its magnificent view of the village and the sea.
The oil mill
There is still an oil mill in the village. It is open on Saturdays. The inhabitants are used to bring their harvest to make their olive oil!
The Chapel of Saint Sebastian
It is located on the heights of the village, next to the cemetery.
Saint Sebastian is the patron saint of the village. He is celebrated every year in January, during the Fiesta de San Sebastian.
Handcrafted crochet decorations
In a typical street in the centre of Algarrobo, you can admire these little marvels. They are particularly beautiful when you pass under them at night, when they are illuminated. During the day, they provide a little protection from the sun.
The tortas of Algarrobo
This is what makes the gastronomic reputation of the village: the famous “tortas de Algarrobo”.
This is a cake of Arabic origin that you can try on the spot.
See a village ‘linked’ to Algarrobo
Algarrobo is also known for having been home to many Andalusian bandits:
- Manuel Melgares Ruiz,
- Antonio Duplas « El Francés »
- Luis Muñoz García, better known and nicknamed “El Bizco de El Borge”.
El Bizco was the head of a gang of thugs that terrorised the Civil Guard. His house, in the nearby village of El Borge, now houses the Andalusian Banditry Museum.
A tip for visiting Algarrobo Pueblo
As you can see from the photos, the village has preserved the typical layout of the streets from the Al-Andalus period. If there is only one piece of advice: park your car at the entrance to the village and walk through it…
What to do in Algarrobo ?
Activities
In the surroundings, it is possible to find very nice activities:
- horse riding, on the beach or in the mountains
- diving in Nerja and Torrox
- guided tours (villages of Axarquia, Cordoba, Alhambra,…)
- via ferrata (Caminito del Rey,…)
- hiking (El Saltillo with the hanging bridge,…)
- canyoning (in the rio Verde,…)
- astrotourism
- snorkeling in Torrox or Nerja
- visit of caves
Use the following link to access all the activities to do. during your holidays. This link provides you with all the details of each activity.
Ideas for guided tours
A very good local guide, Cipriano, offers thematic and seasonal guided tours of Axarquia.
For example, Cipriano organises The Comares Tour from Nerja. Comares is a must-see village!
The guided tours are always done in small groups (2 to 8 people max.) to discover the authentic Axarquia.
In the following link you will find all the details and prices of the tours he offers.
The themes of the tours are: the white villages of Axarquia, the wine route, the raisin route, ….
Here are all the guided tours from Torrox, Nerja and Torre del Mar.
The fiestas
There are many ferias and fiestas throughout the year, the main ones being :
Algarrobo was almost burnt down in the early 19th century by Napoleonic troops. During the French occupation, villagers ambushed the village and a patrol was massacred. In retaliation, orders were given to burn the village. The whole village then got together and sent a young man from the village to ask for an audience with the French governor of Malaga. He obtained a pardon to avoid burning down the village.
The municipality, through the Fiesta de la Quema, recalls this historical event with a stage set in the village.
- Moraga popular,June 23, popular gastronomic festival
- Folclórico Festival, end of August
- Noche Flamenca, in September
- Romeria de San Isidro, in May
- San Sebastian Fiesta, in January
Where is Algarrobo?
Book accommodation
Please enter the desired dates to check availability.
Want to continue touring Andalucia?
Easy and economical bookings
If you are in Andalucia as part of a tour with several major cities to visit, here are some links that may be of interest:
Seville
Seville, the capital of Andalucia, is a city full of treasures to discover and monuments to visit.
Here you will find everything you can see in Seville in 3 days. And for those who will stay longer you will also find information on secret Seville and the Santa Cruz and Triana districts.
Cadiz
Visit Cadiz, a city with an incredible past and great beauty, on the Costa del la Luz.
Malaga
When you reach the Costa del Sol you will find in this link all must-sees in Malaga :
Granada
Discover what to see in Granada, and visit the Albaicin and Sacromonte districts:
Cordoba
And of course, visit Cordoba, the caliphate city, and the Juderia district
Experiences to discover in the province of Malaga
Find more ideas for visits to authentic Andalucia: see the blog pages on Andalucia.
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